"What about the wedding?" Lady Albery cried. "Surely, you can't consider a journey before your marriage. What will your husband think?”
Phoebe took the sip of tea, then set the cup on the table. “I have no husband yet, ma’am. Therefore, that isn't a consideration.”
“I am sure you would do well to consult Lord Ashlund before making any plans,” she insisted.
“I have informed Lord Ashlund that if I marry him, I will not be consulting him on anything. Why should I do so now?”
“Phoebe.” Lady Albery set her cup onto her saucer with such force, the china rang. "I am sure your uncle wouldn't approve of such a philosophy.”
“Forgive me, Aunt, but I suspect my uncle will be pleased if I simply make it to the altar.” Phoebe turned to Elise. “Forgive us, madam. As you may have guessed, there is some doubt as to the outcome of this affair.”
“Phoebe,” her aunt scolded. “Really.”
Phoebe ignored her and said to the duchess, “I warned the duke that I might not be the sort of wife he wants for his son, but he wouldn't listen. Having met me, you may feel the need to warn him. I would fully understand.”
The twinkle returned to the duchess' eyes. “Far be it from me to contradict my husband.”
Phoebe nodded politely. “You're the epitome of womanly virtue, ma’am.”
A look of comical horror crossed Elise’s face. “You probably shouldn't repeat that to my husband or Kiernan. Well, I believe I have overstayed my first visit.”
Lady Albery came to her feet. “No, indeed, Your Grace. You're welcome to stay as long as you like.”
Elise looked at Phoebe. “Decide when you would like to visit Ashlund. Though I’ve only just arrived, I will be glad to return.” She smiled. “My decision to come to London was a bit hurried, therefore, my children didn't accompany me.”
“I imagine you miss them.”
“Very much.” She rose and Phoebe followed suit as the duchess addressed Lady Albery. “Madam.”
“Your Grace.” Lady Albery curtsied.
Phoebe escorted the duchess to the door.
“If I might suggest, ma’am,” Phoebe said as she opened the door “Don't wait for me to return to Scotland.”
Elise stopped. “I assumed we would travel together.”
“Don't stay in London on my account. Return home and your children,” Phoebe said. “My uncle will see to my travel arrangements.”
“Phoebe," Lady Albery said, "surely it is wise for you to travel with the duchess.”
“It is neither wise, nor unwise,” Phoebe said. “I shall come to Scotland, Elise.” Lady Albery gasped, but Phoebe went on, “Only don't press me as to the time just yet. I promise it won't be long, within a fortnight, I think.”
“I can wait,” Elise said.
“I ask that you don't. If, by chance, I'm not ready within the allotted time, I don’t wish to have kept you from your children.”
The duchess smiled. “No matter your decision concerning where you will hold the wedding, you will stay for some time.”
Phoebe nodded. “I think I will.”
Elise lifted a brow. “You realize what will happen if you don’t come to Scotland?”
“I imagine,” Phoebe said, “there will be another abduction.”
*****
Phoebe picked up William Godwin's A Tale of the Sixteenth Century from the bookstore shelf and opened the book. After Elise left earlier that day, Lady Albery was all agog over her visit, and Phoebe had been forced to flee her aunt's company. The bookstore was her final stop on her list of errands, but she dreaded returning home where her aunt would likely ply her with more suggestions for her wedding. It was clear that Lady Albery disapproved of the wedding being held in Scotland.
“So,” came a familiar male voice, “I understand we are to return to Scotland?”
Phoebe whirled, knocking a stack of books from the store shelf. “By heavens, sir,” she exclaimed.
She started to reach for the scattered books, but halted, narrowly missing a collision with Kiernan’s head as he bent to pick up the books. He gathered them in one arm. Phoebe took a step back when he straightened, and tilted her head back in order to keep eye contact. He set the books on the shelf.
Her stomach did a somersault. “Are you going to make a habit of scaring the life out of me?"
Curiosity flickered in his eyes. “I can’t say," he replied. "Catching you unawares has its appeal." He smiled. “The blush on your cheeks is quite becoming.” She froze when he trailed a finger along her cheek. “What man wouldn't be gratified to incite such a reaction in a beautiful woman?”
Warmth pooled between her legs. Could he sense this reaction as easily as her blush? He took her free hand and lifted it to his lips, eyes locked with hers as he pressed his lips to the back of her hand. When he released her, she realized her heart was pounding…and that he had, indeed, sensed her desire.
“Have you any purchases you wish to make?” he asked.